Dec 18, 2015: Hattiesburg American:  Cathey: Critical budget information not shared
The district's finances came into question after the Dec. 8 resignation of Superintendent James Bacchus, who had led the district for nearly five years.

Oct 28, 2015: WDAM: Seven On Your Side investigates questionable spending by Hattiesburg schools
The contract was for a new strategic plan for the district; something that Superintendent James Bacchus said the district has not had in almost a decade.

Oct 8, 2015: Hub City Spokes: District working to meet goal by year's end
Hattiesburg Public Schools Superintendent James Bacchus says he believes students in grades 3-8 in the district can attain school leaders’ goals for academic achievement by the end of the school year, following the recent measurement done through an assessment tool used by HP

June 22, 2015: WDAM: Hattiesburg leaders plan for future of school district
"We feel that we have the foundations in place, now we have something to build on, and we want the community to come in and be a part of it," HPSD Superintendent James Bacchus said.

Apr 21, 2015: Hattiesburg American: Board takes second look at strategic plan vote
That follows a Thursday meeting where Superintendent James Bacchus disclosed he had ties to P3 and PCG, the other firm in line for the contract.

Feb 23, 2015: WHLT: Hattiesburg Public School District Receives Accreditation Review Results
Superintendent James Q. Bacchus said, "It's an opportunity for us to make sure that we're in compliance with the expectations of the state and that's certainly where we want to remain"

Feb 17, 2015: WDAM: Pine Belt Superintendents discuss the "Third Grade Gate" law
“We don't know what the cut scores are, matter of face we don't even know what the test looks like,” said Hattiesburg School District Superintendent of Education James Bacchus

Feb 10, 2015: WDAM: Warrants served for Hattiesburg parents who fail to send children to school
"If they're not here on a consistent basis, then it does [make an] impact," said HPSD Superintendent James Bacchus.